Alexander Roslin

Ever heard of Alexander Roslin? Stockholm's Nationalmuseum is trying to rescue its greatest 18th-century master from obscurity with Utställning: Alexander Roslin, from 27 September 2007 to 13 January 2008. The problem is that he specialized in portraits of the rich and famous. His technique was superb, but who wants to gaze at a bunch of self-important old farts dressed in wigs, satins and silks? But come on, folks, look at this example: Damen med slöjan (beskuren). That lady has style. So has the artist. Could this be the original Merry Widow?